Lead paint can affect more than the people living in an older home. During a restoration project, it not only gets in the dirt around the old house, or in the house itself, it also gets on the construction workers’ clothes. From there, it goes home with them. The following true example will illustrate why it is important to check for lead paint during a restoration project.
In a rural community that is attractive to urban transplants for it’s older homes, the public health clinic’s doctor reported that the results of lead testing in children there was higher than anywhere else in the state. It was concluded that the large amount of old home restoration in the town probably contributed to this, but how? The doctor reported that he had a very sick child with a lead level of 33. The safe level is zero, but the Department of Health requires action at 15. This child was very sick. How did this happen?
It was discovered that his father worked in restoration construction. Everyday, he came home and picked up his infant son. The boy had ingested lead paint from his father’s shirt! Therefore, the local health professionals urged contractors, construction workers, and even home owners to be vigilant about changing clothes before handling small children. Anytime anyone had any concern about being in contact with lead paint, during a restoration project, doctors wanted to know about it.
The more long range problems arise for the home owner. During restoration, the old home is usually repainted. Although most of the lead paint is covered up, many of its flakes fall on the ground around the house. If children play in the area, they are at risk. While consumers are nervously watching lead levels in toys, they may be missing a bigger source right in their own backyards.